Behind its small shape, the benefits of soybeans for health are apparently so great. This is because soybeans contain many nutrients needed by the body. Not only healthy, soybeans are also easy to obtain and can be processed into a variety of delicious dishes.
Soybeans can be found in various processed forms, such as tofu, tempeh, soybean flour, or even soybean oil. The ingredients from processed soybeans can certainly provide good benefits for the body, one of which is lowering cholesterol levels.
In a serving or about 100 grams of soybeans, there are about 150–170 calories and a variety of the following nutrients:
- 10 grams of protein
- 13–14 grams of carbohydrates
- 5 grams fat
- 3.5–5 grams of fiber
- 100 milligrams of calcium
- 8 milligrams of iron
- 850–900 milligrams of potassium
- 500 IU of vitamin A
In addition, soybeans are also known to contain isoflavone antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin B1, magnesium, folate, selenium, zinc, and good fats omega-3 and omega-6.
Thanks to its high nutritional content, soybeans have long been known as one of the healthiest foods. Soybeans are also commonly consumed as soy milk or milk substitutes for people who are allergic to cow's milk.
Benefits of Soybeans for Health
The following are some of the benefits of soybeans that are a pity to miss:
1. Maintain bone strength and health
Soybeans are a good source of calcium, protein, and isoflavone antioxidants. Thanks to these ingredients, soybeans are useful for strengthening and maintaining healthy bones and teeth.
Several studies have also shown that a healthy diet that combines the intake of soybeans has been shown to reduce the risk of bone loss in the elderly (osteoporosis).
2. Relieve menopausal symptoms
Menopause is the natural end of the menstrual cycle, which usually occurs when women are 45-55 years old. When experiencing menopause, a woman may experience several symptoms, such as frequent dizziness, easy sweating, vaginal dryness, difficulty sleeping, and mood swings.
Menopausal symptoms can be treated with medications, such as hormone replacement therapy. However, apart from medication, menopause symptoms can also be alleviated by eating foods that contain lots of phytonutrients, one of which is soybeans.
3. Lower cholesterol
Several studies have shown that soybeans can reduce levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase levels of good cholesterol (HDL). This is because soybeans have high fiber and healthy fat content, so they can prevent heart disease and stroke.
4. Maintain the health of body organs
The high content of potassium, protein, healthy fats, antioxidants, and fiber make soybeans a good food choice for maintaining heart health.
Thanks to these nutritional content, soybeans are useful for controlling blood pressure and preventing blockages in blood vessels (atherosclerosis).
Not only good for the heart, soybeans are also good for consumption to maintain the health of other organs, such as the brain and kidneys, and ensure these organs function properly.
5. Reduces the risk of cancer
One of the benefits of soybeans that is also quite important is reducing the risk of cancer. This is thanks to the phytonutrients and antioxidant isoflavones which are abundant in soybeans. Both substances are known to be good for preventing several types of cancer, such as breast cancer and prostate cancer.
6. Prevent dementia
Some research shows that regular consumption of soybeans is beneficial for maintaining brain function and improving memory. This effect shows that soybeans are good for preventing the occurrence of senile dementia or symptoms of dementia.
To get the various benefits of soybeans above, you also need to live a healthy diet by regularly consuming other balanced nutritious foods, such as fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, getting enough rest, and reducing stress.
Although classified as a type of healthy food, some people may have an allergy to soybeans.
If you feel allergy symptoms after consuming soybeans, such as itching on the skin, swollen face and lips, diarrhea, stomach pain, vomiting, or shortness of breath, stop consuming soybeans immediately and see a doctor for treatment.